"To avoid accidents, anticipate": new government campaign to curb motorcycle accidents

A reckless overtaking maneuver, speeding, or even a slight lapse in concentration behind the wheel can end a motorcyclist's life. Under the slogan "To avoid accidents, anticipate," the Catalan government is launching a new campaign to reduce accidents involving motorcyclists. The initiative aims to raise awareness among motorcyclists and drivers about the importance of protection, prevention, and caution—three key elements for improving road safety. In Catalonia, one in three traffic fatalities is a motorcyclist. The campaign uses fictionalized stories to foreshadow the real-life consequences of common driving imprudence. It focuses on the risky behaviors of motorcyclists, "one of the most vulnerable groups on our roads," according to the Minister of the Interior and Public Safety, Núria Parlon. At the same time, it promotes awareness among all other drivers. The goal is "to reduce accidents and reinforce safe and respectful driving," Parlon emphasizes.

The Triple P

The communication campaign is based on the Triple P: Protection, through the use of appropriate equipment; prevention, through proactive risk assessment; and prudence, which guides every decision on the road. The Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) initiative will be implemented in two phases.

The first campaign began on December 10 and will run until the 31st, coinciding with the Christmas holidays, a period of increased mobility, and the second will take place throughout 2026. The materials include two 30-second spots with 10-second versions, two radio spots, two graphic pieces, one teaser, one making of and various digital resources adapted to social media.

A steady trickle of motorcyclist victims

Each year, nearly 50 motorcyclists lose their lives on Catalonia's road network, and more than 300 are seriously injured. In the last ten years, approximately 480 motorcyclists have died in accidents, and more than 3,300 have suffered serious injuries. Traffic data paints a clear picture. The majority of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured are men between 45 and 54 years old, although the number of victims is increasing among younger age groups. Barcelona is the area with the most victims, and within it, the Baix Llobregat region has the highest number of accidents. The C-31 is the most affected road. Regarding the types of accidents, the most common are high-speed collisions and run-off-road crashes, while collisions with animals, although less frequent, are showing an increase. Accidents occur between morning and afternoon, with a higher proportion of accidents in the afternoon in Barcelona.

Weekdays see the highest number of accidents, although the accident rate also increases on weekends. Regarding seasonality, from May to August, coinciding with warmer temperatures, there are more victims, although motorcycle accidents have increased in recent years from September to November.

Preventive measures and training

In addition to the communications campaign, the Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) has promoted complementary actions. This year, 2025, saw the 11th edition of the Formació 3.0 program for motorcyclists, with 40 sessions held throughout Catalonia, including urban sessions and training for companies. In total, more than 6,000 people participated. Motorcyclists.

A week-long workshop on preventing motorcyclist accidents on dangerous curves was also held, with European experts participating. In this regard, signage on roads with dangerous curves has been improved. The pilot test was carried out on the N-260 at Collada de Toses and the B-124 between Sant Llorenç Savall and Calders.

Finally, the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) have reinforced surveillance with PREMOT checkpoints and dynamic patrols using unmarked police motorcycles with peepholes, with the aim of deterring risky behavior.